In recent weeks, Nebraska and Iowa have experienced an intense heat wave that has tested the limits of HVAC systems across the region. With temperatures reaching 100+ degrees, homeowners have found their air conditioners working overtime to maintain a comfortable indoor environment. However, extreme weather conditions, whether scorching hot or frigidly cold, can strain HVAC systems and impact their performance. This makes proper preparation essential for ensuring your HVAC system remains reliable and efficient throughout the year.
At ServiceOne, we offer Omaha HVAC services to keep your home’s feeling comfortable all year long. Here’s how you can get your system ready for both extreme summer heat and winter cold.
Schedule regular maintenance
The first step in preparing your HVAC system for extreme weather is to schedule regular maintenance with a professional technician. A thorough inspection and tune-up can help identify and address potential issues before they become major problems. During a maintenance visit, a technician will clean and check critical components such as the condenser coils, evaporator coils and blower fans. They will also inspect refrigerant levels, tighten electrical connections and test system performance to ensure everything is running smoothly.
Replace air filters regularly
Air filters play a crucial role in maintaining HVAC system efficiency. A clogged or dirty filter can restrict airflow, forcing the system to work harder and increasing energy consumption. For optimal performance, check and replace your air filters at least every 1-3 months, depending on usage and filter type. During periods of extreme weather, it’s especially important to keep filters clean to prevent unnecessary strain on your system.
Ensure proper insulation
Proper insulation is vital for keeping your home comfortable and reducing energy costs. Insulation helps to maintain consistent indoor temperatures by preventing heat from escaping in the winter and keeping cool air inside during the summer. Check your home’s insulation, especially in the attic and walls, to ensure it is adequate. Adding or upgrading insulation can significantly improve HVAC efficiency and reduce the load on your system during extreme weather conditions.
Seal windows and doors
Drafty windows and doors can undermine your HVAC system’s ability to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. Inspect seals around windows and doors and replace weatherstripping or caulking as needed. Ensuring that all entry points are well-sealed helps to keep conditioned air inside and outside temperatures from affecting your home’s interior.
Clean and maintain outdoor units
For air conditioning systems, the outdoor unit or condenser plays a crucial role in cooling your home. During a heat wave, debris such as leaves, grass and dirt can accumulate around the unit, obstructing airflow and reducing efficiency. Regularly clean the area around your outdoor unit and remove any debris. Additionally, make sure the unit is level and that the fan blades are in good condition.
Install a programmable thermostat
A programmable thermostat allows you to set different temperatures for various times of the day, optimizing your HVAC system’s performance and energy usage. During extreme weather, a programmable thermostat can help you maintain comfort without overworking your system. Set it to lower temperatures during the hottest parts of the day in summer or to higher temperatures when you’re away in winter.
Prepare for power outages
Extreme weather can sometimes lead to power outages, which many homeowners across our area experienced here this past week. To safeguard your HVAC system and home, consider investing in a backup power source such as a generator. This will ensure that your HVAC system continues to operate even if the power goes out, preventing discomfort and potential damage.
Preparing your HVAC system for extreme weather conditions is essential for maintaining efficiency, reliability and comfort in your home. By scheduling regular maintenance, replacing air filters, ensuring proper insulation, sealing windows and doors, cleaning outdoor units, using a programmable thermostat and preparing for power outages, you can help your HVAC system perform optimally throughout the year.
Need help with maintaining your HVAC system? Our team at ServiceOne is here to help! Give us a call today with all of your Omaha HVAC services needs!